CGS Evening Lecture

A century of tulip growing and the best flower bulbs for blooms and herbal cures

The Cornwall Garden Society’s (CGS) February lectures will be presented by bulb specialist, Johnny Walkers.

In his first lecture, Johnny will explore a century of tulip growing in the eastern counties of the UK and in his second, he will reveal the flower bulbs to use as herbal remedies to cure a range of ills and to achieve the best blooms.

The son of a Dutch bulb grower, Johnny gathered much knowledge by working with his father in the school holidays and at weekends.

He began his career as Technical and Quality Manager with the bulb co-operative, Lingarden. With growers spread across seven counties, Johnny advised them on the latest growing techniques and helped to develop a business that exported daffodils (including many tonnes from Cornwall) to Europe, Scandinavia and North America.

In 1986, Johnny established a mail order company focusing on unusual daffodils and other specialist bulbs. This was the start of his showing journey at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show and the North of England Horticultural Society’s Harrogate Flower Show where he is said to have ‘the Midas Touch’ for the huge haul of Gold medals that he has won.

In 2016, Johnny was awarded the prestigious Peter Barr Memorial Cup by the RHS for services to the daffodil industry.

Tulips: 1900 to the Present Day will be his subject on Tuesday 13th February at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro whilst Aphrodisiac or Flowers? will be his topic on Wednesday 14th February at 2.30pm at the St Mellion International Resort in Saltash – a particularly interesting topic for Valentine’s Day!

Johnny will be offering a selection of bulbs for sale from his mail order nursery, Walkers Bulbs, at both events.

These lectures are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome to attend to find out more about the Society and donations are gratefully received.